(Sports Correspondent: Imran Sohail)
TPC Southwind Gets Major Upgrades Ahead of 2025 FedEx St. Jude Championship
MEMPHIS, TN — Golf fans tuning in to this year’s FedEx St. Jude Championship will notice a fresh look at TPC Southwind, thanks to a series of extensive renovations over the past year.
In the most significant update since 1998, the course underwent a full rebuild and resurfacing of all 18 green complexes. The upgrade includes reclaimed green space, allowing for new and more strategic hole placements, most notably on the island par-3 11th hole and the par-5 third.
“We weren’t trying to fix a bad golf course,” said Nick Bisanz, Director of Agronomy at TPC Southwind. “We were trying to make a good golf course better.”
New Greens, New Challenges
This is the first time the greens have been resurfaced since 2004, and the update includes the use of Zeon Zoysia grass around green surrounds. This high-performance turf not only improves drainage but also creates firmer playing conditions, which will be a key factor during tournament play.
“The greens are in amazing shape,” said Scottie Scheffler. “With how firm they are right now, you really need to hit the fairways if you want to score.”
Due to the recent resurfacing, the course is expected to play firmer and faster than usual, a common characteristic of newly renovated layouts.
Course Length and Infrastructure Upgrades
Along with the greens, tee boxes were resurfaced, and the fairway irrigation system was modernized. The overall course has also been lengthened by approximately 50 yards, most notably on the par-4 fifth hole, which now stretches to 529 yards, up from 485 yards last year.
To make way for the improvements, nine holes were closed in November, and the remaining nine in January, ensuring the course was ready in time for the PGA TOUR’s arrival.
Players Praise New Conditions
Top golfers are already praising the upgraded conditions at TPC Southwind. Justin Thomas noted:
“It’s in unbelievable shape. The fairways are perfect. The greens are brand new and firm—some of the best surfaces we’ll ever putt on. The rough is the longest I’ve ever seen it.”
While the firmness presents a challenge, many players agree the upgrades will elevate the quality of play and create more excitement for fans.
What’s at Stake
Defending champion Hideki Matsuyama returns to TPC Southwind as the top 70 players in the FedEx Cup standings compete for a spot in next week’s BMW Championship. The top 50 finishers this week will not only advance but also earn exemptions into all 2026 PGA TOUR Signature Events.
Keywords: TPC Southwind renovation 2025, FedEx St. Jude Championship updates, PGA TOUR Memphis course changes, new greens TPC Southwind, Justin Thomas TPC Southwind, Scottie Scheffler PGA comments, Hideki Matsuyama FedEx Cup
